Highlights:

• Rainfall totals between 30 and 50 mm forecasted from now through into Friday morning
• Heavy rains could lead to localized drainage issues.
• Local watercourses will rise and some could reach bank full conditions or spill their banks
• High lake levels could aggravate drainage issues in shoreline areas.

Message:

A Special Weather Statement has been issued by Environment Canada due to a large amount of rain forecasted over the next few days and strong winds forecasted for Thursday night into Friday morning. Forecasts are calling for rainfall totals between 30 and 50 mm starting this morning and lasting through into Friday morning. Strong northwesterly to westerly wind gusts of 70 km/h are possible Thursday night into Friday morning.

Throughout the watershed, the large amount of rain predicted could lead to ponding and localized flooding in areas with poor drainage. Local ditches, creeks and streams would begin to rise tonight and peak some time later on Thursday. The watershed should be able to handle the lower rainfall totals. However, if the higher rainfall amounts appear, that could cause some watercourses could reach bank full conditions or cause some to spill their banks into low lying adjacent areas.

The rain in the forecast could have a greater impact in shoreline areas. Due to the high lake levels, the groundwater table is high and storm water systems and local watercourses are filled with lake water. As a result, rainwater is not draining properly from these areas. In addition, any water from upstream making its way downstream on local watercourses into these shoreline areas could further impact these areas.

People should take extra caution and avoid the river, ditches, and streams. The combination of slippery banks and fast moving cold water can be dangerous. Standing water can also present unseen hazards. Children and animals should be kept away from the water.

Another message will be issued tomorrow regarding the potential impacts of the winds on shoreline areas.
Officials will continue to monitor the situation and update this advisory if necessary.

This message will be in effect until Nov 1st, 2019.

Contact: Jason Wintermute (519-354-7310 x227, [email protected]) regarding this message.